Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile and her wife, Catherine Shepherd, share two daughters, Evangeline Ruth and Elijah. While Carlile is a fixture on global music charts and festival stages, her home life on a rural property in Washington state remains deeply anchored in family, collaboration, and intentional parenting. Understanding how Carlile and Shepherd balance demanding careers with raising children offers a look at a modern musical household shaped by resilience and creativity.
The couple welcomed their eldest daughter, Evangeline Ruth Carlile, in June 2014. Evangeline was conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF), with Carlile providing the eggs and Shepherd carrying the pregnancy. Their second daughter, Elijah, was born in March 2018, conceived through artificial insemination with Shepherd carrying the pregnancy. This thoughtful approach to family building established a shared, equal foundation for both parents from day one.
The Musical Roots of the Household
Music isn't just Carlile's profession; it's the ambient noise of daily life for her daughters. Carlile has often spoken about how Evangeline and Elijah are immersed in an environment where songwriting, rehearsals, and acoustic jam sessions happen around the kitchen table. Shepherd is also musically inclined, frequently playing guitar and singing alongside Carlile at home.
This environment heavily influences how the children perceive art and expression. Rather than treating music as an abstract commodity or a distant celebrity lifestyle, the girls view it as a natural medium for storytelling. Carlile's critically acclaimed anthem "The Mother" was written as a direct homage to Evangeline, capturing the raw, grounding shift that parenthood brought to her life and career.
Balancing Stardom and Rural Family Routines
Raising children away from the traditional epicenters of the entertainment industry like Los Angeles or New York was a deliberate choice. Carlile and Shepherd live on a compound in Maple Valley, Washington, close to where Carlile grew up. This rural setting allows Evangeline and Elijah to experience a grounded childhood centered around nature, outdoor activities, and community.
Balancing international tours, festival curation like the Mothership Weekend, and extensive philanthropic work through the Looking Out Foundation requires strict calendar discipline. Carlile has frequently credited Shepherd—who co-founded Phantom Management to oversee Carlile’s career trajectory—with keeping the household stable. By keeping management internal and family-focused, the couple minimizes the friction typically caused by the entertainment industry's erratic schedules.
Character, Values, and Public Visibility
While Carlile is open about her family life, she and Shepherd are protective of their daughters' privacy. When images or stories of Evangeline and Elijah appear in public spaces or social media, they are typically framed around milestones, community, or shared creative moments rather than exploited for tabloid visibility.
The household operates on principles of inclusivity, social justice, and equality. Carlile's public advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and humanitarian efforts forms the ethical backdrop of what her daughters witness daily. By seeing their mothers actively challenge industry norms and support marginalized groups, Evangeline and Elijah are growing up with a distinct template for character and resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old are Brandi Carlile's daughters?
Evangeline Ruth was born in June 2014, making her 12 years old. Elijah was born in March 2018, making her 8 years old.
Who are Evangeline and Elijah's biological parents?
Both daughters are biologically connected to the couple through a shared family-building plan. Evangeline was conceived using Carlile's eggs and carried by Shepherd, while Elijah was conceived via artificial insemination and carried by Shepherd.
Where do Brandi Carlile and her family live?
The family resides on a property in Maple Valley, Washington, close to the area where Carlile was raised, allowing the children to grow up outside of major urban entertainment hubs.
Do Brandi Carlile's daughters show an interest in music?
Yes. Growing up in a household where both mothers play instruments and write songs naturally exposes Evangeline and Elijah to music daily, though their parents prioritize letting them develop at their own pace without industry pressure.
